There’s something magical about cream puffs—crisp, golden choux pastry shells that give way to a cloud of cool, velvety custard. When done right, they’re elegant yet comforting, impressive but nostalgic. And “Mom’s Famous” version? It’s the kind people beg for at potlucks, request for birthdays, and remember long after the last crumb is gone.
This recipe breaks down the classic technique into simple, foolproof steps—so you can recreate that beloved treat at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🥐 Hollow, airy shells with crisp exteriors
🥛 Rich, smooth vanilla pastry cream (no raw flour taste!)
💛 Naturally nut-free & easily gluten-free
💸 Costs under $8—makes 16–18 puffs
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Choux Pastry Shells:
½ cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter
1 cup (240ml) water
1 tbsp granulated sugar
¼ tsp salt
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
4 large eggs, room temperature
For the Pastry Cream Filling:
2 cups (480ml) whole milk
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
¼ cup (30g) cornstarch
2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
💡 Pro Tips:
Room-temperature eggs incorporate smoothly into hot dough.
Don’t open the oven early—shells collapse if cooled too soon.
Pastry cream must be chilled before filling—patience pays off!
Step-by-Step Instructions (Crisp, Creamy, Foolproof)
1. Make the Choux Pastry
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
In a saucepan, bring butter, water, sugar, and salt to a rolling boil.
Remove from heat; add flour all at once. Stir vigorously until a smooth ball forms (~1 min).
Return to low heat; cook 1–2 mins, stirring, to dry the dough.
Transfer to bowl. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each, until glossy and thick.
2. Pipe & Bake the Shells
Drop 2-tbsp mounds onto sheets (or use a piping bag). Smooth peaks with wet finger.
Bake 15 mins at 425°F, then reduce to 350°F (175°C) and bake 20–25 mins more, until deep golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Turn off oven; crack door open. Let shells dry inside 10 mins (prevents sogginess).
3. Make the Pastry Cream
Whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale. Whisk in cornstarch.
Heat milk in saucepan until steaming (not boiling).
Slowly pour hot milk into yolk mixture, whisking constantly.
Return to pan; cook over medium heat, whisking, until thick and bubbling (2–3 mins).
Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla.
Press plastic wrap directly on surface; chill at least 2 hours.
4. Fill & Serve
Slice shells horizontally. Spoon or pipe chilled pastry cream into bottoms.
Replace tops. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate.
Serve within 4–6 hours for best texture.
Serving Suggestions
☕ Classic: With coffee or afternoon tea
🍓 Fruity twist: Top with fresh berries or berry compote
🍫 Decadent: Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel
🎉 Celebration: Arrange on a tiered stand for parties
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Shells: Bake 1 day ahead; store airtight at room temp.
Pastry cream: Make 2 days ahead; keep refrigerated.
Filled puffs: Best eaten same day—but unfilled shells freeze beautifully for up to 1 month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use GF all-purpose flour blend (like Cup4Cup or King Arthur).
Q: Shells collapsed?
A: Oven opened too soon, or underbaked. Dry them out fully!
Q: Cream too thin?
A: Didn’t cook long enough after thickening—must bubble to activate cornstarch.
Q: No piping bag?
A: Use a zip-top bag with corner snipped, or spoon mounds.
❤️ The Heart of the Dessert
Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs aren’t just dessert—they’re a labor of love wrapped in nostalgia. They’re what you make when you want to impress without pretense, or when you need a sweet reminder that joy can be light as air.
So boil that water, whisk that custard, and fill with care. Because the best desserts aren’t flashy—they’re crisp, creamy, and made with love.
“Good food doesn’t need a bakery—it just needs butter, eggs, and someone hungry.” 🥐✨
